From coconut cake to coconut cream pie, coconut flakes add both flavor and a decorative touch to many desserts and even some savory dishes. Some people prefer not to just use the flakes as is, but instead, like to toast them a golden brown, which adds a slightly nutty flavor and a crispier texture. You can easily toast the coconut flakes using the oven or your stove top.

Oven Method

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread the coconut flakes onto the baking sheet in a single layer.

Place the baking sheet in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring roughly every minute or so with a wooden spoon, until they are golden brown. Remove the flakes from the baking sheet and cool on a separate tray or bowl to prevent residual heat from burning them.

Stove Top Method

Cover a large skillet with a single layer of coconut flakes.

Place the skillet on the stove over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. The coconut flakes should start to brown within five minutes.

Continue to stir until all the coconut flakes are golden brown. Remove the coconut flakes from the stove and let them cool completely before using.

Items you will need

Coconut flakes

Baking sheet

Parchment paper

Wooden spoon

Large skillet

Tip

Keep a very close eye on sweetened coconut flakes when you're toasting them, as they brown much faster than the unsweetened kind due to the sugar on them.

References

About the Author

Based in Los Angeles, Zora Hughes has been writing travel, parenting, cooking and relationship articles since 2010. Her work includes writing city profiles for Groupon. She also writes screenplays and won the S. Randolph Playwriting Award in 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in television writing/producing and a Master of Arts Management in entertainment media management, both from Columbia College.